Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal the multi-target mechanisms of Paeoniae Radix Rubra in functional angiogenesis: Synergistic regulation of ADAM10-NOTCH and VEGFR2-PI3K/AKT signaling.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Therapeutic angiogenesis has emerged as a paradigm-shifting approach for vascular occlusive diseases, such as PAD, stroke and CTO. Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PRR), a traditional Chinese herb, is the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and Paeonia veitchii Lyncha. It has shown potential in cardiovascular protection. However, its pro-angiogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the pro-angiogenic mechanisms of PRR and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic agent for vascular occlusive diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict and analyze the potential molecular targets of PRR. HUVECs were used to assess the effects of PRR on cell proliferation, migration, tube formation and 3D sprouting. Additionally, a murine hindlimb ischemia model was employed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PRR in restoring blood flow and promoting vascular regeneration.

RESULTS: PRR dose-dependently enhanced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, while restoring ischemic limb perfusion to 93.5 % of baseline and increasing mature vessel density. Mechanistically, PRR upregulated VEGFR2 and ADAM10, activating PI3K/AKT signaling and ADAM10 mediated vascular remodeling. shRNA perturbation studies revealed that ADAM10 knockdown reduced PRR's efficacy by half, while its overexpression amplified angiogenesis driven by PRR.

CONCLUSION: PRR functions as a multi-target angiogenic agent by coordinately activating VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT survival signaling and ADAM10 mediated vascular remodeling, overcoming the limitations of single-target therapies. This natural product synergy enables simultaneous endothelial sprouting and vascular stabilization, positioning PRR as a paradigm-shifting candidate for complex occlusive diseases.